Improvement in the construction of dams



w. SCHMOLZ'.

Construction -of Dams.

Patented July 6,1875.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM soHMoLz, oF sAN FRANoIsoo, oALIFoENIA.

IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF DAMS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 165,371, dated VJuly 6, 1875; application led November 30, 1874.

\ San Francisco, in the county of San Francisco and State of California, have invented an Improved Method of Oonstructin g Dams for Reservoirs and Streams; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same. reference being had to the accompanying drawings and to the letters marked thereon.

My invention relates to an improved method and material for the construction ot' dams such as are employed for forming reservoirs of Water in the courses of rapid-running streams; and it consists in so shaping the embankment that it shall be curved or arched against the force or pressure of the stream, and in the combination, in said embankment, of earth, masonry, or rubble, and iron plates, which are properly riveted and secured over and above the embankment proper. 4

Referring to the accompanying dra-wings for a more complete explanation of my invention, Figure l is a plan or top view, showing part ofthe plates removed from the masonry. Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical section, showing the manner of tying and the conduits for seepage water. Fig. 3 is a section, showing a form of construction.

ing my dam I first form a solid abutment within each of the banks of the stream, and against Fig. l. D is the supply-pipe from the interior of the reservoir, and E is the Waste oroverlow sluice. Within the body of the dam I make vertical passages or shafts F, which extend down to the waste and supply pipes D, in which suitable gates are made to operate in order to shut off or admit the passage of water through thepipes.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to Vsecure by Letters Paten t, is

A dam adapted for use in rapid rivers or streams, wherein a body composed of masonry tied together by iron rods and iilled with rubble, earth, or other suitable material, and having an exteriorslopin g backward and curved up stream, is wholly covered by iron plates, substantially as described and shown.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal.

` WM. SCHMOLZ. [L s] Witnesses:

C. W. M. SMITH, PHILIP MAHLER. 

